Double award shortlist for UCLan spin-out business

The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) first spin-out business has been shortlisted for two prestigious industry awards.

The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) first spin-out business has been shortlisted for two prestigious industry awards.

Alusid Silicastone, which manufactures unique surface products using recycled materials, is up for the Innovate Product Design category in the Society of British International Design (SBID) awards, which recognise excellence in design.

The company has also been shortlisted for an Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) award, in the category of Best Start Up. The IChemE awards celebrate excellence, innovation and achievement in the chemical, biochemical and process industries.

Alusid began from a research project between Professor David Binns and Dr Alasdair Bremner, to promote how designers can be more sustainable and environmentally responsible.

All products are made using at least 96 percent recycled materials, including glass and ceramics, as an alternative to natural stone.

To be shortlisted for two such prestigious awards is fantastic. For our work to be recognised for its innovation is testament to the dedication, enthusiasm and commitment of our team.

Dr Alasdair Bremner, operations manager at Alusid, said: “To be shortlisted for two such prestigious awards is fantastic. For our work to be recognised for its innovation is testament to the dedication, enthusiasm and commitment of our team towards creating a new benchmark for sustainability in construction and architecture.”

SBID is the professional accrediting organisation for the interior design industry in the UK, supporting the interests of interior designers and manufacturers.

Members of the public can vote for their favourite finalist at www.sbidawards.com and votes will be counted toward the overall result. The closing date for public voting is Friday September 16 at 5.30pm, and winners will be announced at a ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel in London on Friday November 25. All of the finalists will be featured in The Global Interior Design 2016 coffee table book.

IChemE is the global professional membership organisation for chemical engineering professionals and anyone involved with the process industries. The IChemE awards will be held at The Palace Hotel in Manchester on Thursday November 3.